For skeptics who refuse to believe randomly-sourced bar-graphs of the GeForce GTX 680 that are starved of pictures, here is the first set of benchmarks run by a third-party (neither NVIDIA nor one of its AIC partners). This [p]reviewer from HKEPC has pictures to back his benchmarks. The GeForce GTX 680 was pitted against a Radeon HD 7970, and a previous-generation GeForce GTX 580. The test-bed consisted of an extreme-cooled Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor (running at stock frequency), ASUS Rampage IV Extreme motherboard, 8 GB (4x 2 GB) GeIL EVO 2 DDR3-2200 MHz quad-channel memory, Corsair AX1200W PSU, and Windows 7 x64.

Benchmarks included 3DMark 11 (performance preset), Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Lost Planet 2, and Unigine Heaven (version not mentioned, could be 1). All tests were run at a constant resolution of 1920x1080, with 8x MSAA on some tests (mentioned in the graphs).More graphs follow.

AMD may have been the first to be out with drivers for its Radeon GPUs that are optimized for Windows 8 (WDDM 1.2), but NVIDIA went a step ahead of "special-releases" for its GeForce drivers, and added Windows 8 to its update stack, meaning that Windows 8 will feature in the list of operating systems to pick from, to download drivers. NVIDIA will constantly update these drivers along with mainline releases for Windows 7/Vista and XP. The latest such driver is 296.17. This driver supports GeForce and Quadro GPUs, and according to NVIDIA, is a quick-update over 295.73 WHQL, with the addition of performance optimization for Blacklight: Retribution.

MAINGEAR, an award-winning custom PC builder known for custom built desktops, laptops and workstations is now adding all-in-one PC solutions to their product offerings. The MAINGEAR Solo 21 All-in-one builds upon MAINGEAR's pedigree of performance, upgradeability, no bloatware, and excellent service and support that they are known for.

With more consumers looking for a full-size desktop computer without the hassle of wires and other connections, the MAINGEAR Solo 21 All-in-One provides the freedom of space while still offering the latest technology. Following their trend of fully customizable products, the MAINGEAR Solo 21 is the first fully upgradeable all-in-one today, including the ability to upgrade the motherboard to accommodate future technology advances. This powerful all-in-one PC features an optional vibrant LED backlit 10-point touchscreen, a built in webcam, and supports a wide range of 32 nm and 22 nm Intel Core Processor to fit your needs and budget, and comes with a 32 GB SSD caching drive for faster system response, standard.

Santa Clara-based NVIDIA Corp. has today made available a couple of new graphics drivers, the WHQL-certified GeForce 296.10 for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, and the GeForce 296.17 preview driver specifically made for Windows 8. Both drivers feature support for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 series desktop cards.

GeForce 296.10 WHQL - Windows Vista/7 (32-bit) | Windows Vista/7 (64-bit) | Windows XP (32-bit) | Windows XP (64-bit)
GeForce 296.17 - Windows 8 (32-bit) | Windows 8 (64-bit)

Yet another Cedar Trail-powered Eee PC is ready to reach stores and it comes in a multitude of colors including black, white, grey, brown, pink, red, blue and purple. Dubbed Eee PC R052CE, ASUS' new netbook measures 262 x 178 x 20.7 ~ 34.4 mm, it weights 1.25 kg, and features a 10.1-inch display, a 1.86 GHz Atom N2800 processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 320 GB HDD, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, an SD card reader, an HDMI output, and a 6-cell (5,200 mAh) battery providing up to 12 hours of operation).

The Eee PC R052CE runs Windows 7 Starter (it also comes with the Express Gate instant-on OS) and is available for pre-order at 329 Euro or 339 Euro (depending on the color choice).

Providing more proof that Ivy Bridge is closing in fast, Amazon has put up for pre-order a Lenovo laptop which is powered by an Intel 3rd generation Core processor. The laptop in question is named IdeaPad Y480 (20934FU) and it features a 1.3-inch thick chassis, a 14-inch display, a 2.3 GHz Core i7-3610QM CPU, 8 GB of RAM, a 750 GB hard drive and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M 1 GB graphics card.

The Y480 also packs two 1.5 W JBL speakers, it runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and apparently has a battery life of only 3.5 hours. The price tag of this new IdeaPad is $999.99.

AMD finally posted Catalyst 12.2 WHQL driver suite, the one package that installs drivers and system software for AMD/ATI Radeon GPUs, AMD APU graphics, AMD chipset-integrated graphics, etc. Catalyst 12.2 WHQL brings official support for Radeon HD 7700 series, and Radeon HD 7900 series (for Windows 7/Vista only, for Windows XP it will be added with Catalyst 12.4). Super-sampling AA (SSAA) is now available for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications, supported on the Radeon HD 7700 series and HD 7900 series. It must be enabled through Catalyst Control Center, and application profiles, and games should support in-game AA modes.

AMD also introduced enhancements for Eyefinity 2.1, including custom-resolutions, dynamic configuration changes (switching between different display configurations will occur automatically by loading the appropriate profile, when plugging/unplugging displays); Windows Taskbar re-positioning, and improvements with the Eyefinity Profile Manager. For more information, please refer to the Release Notes document.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Catalyst 12.2 WHQL

Toshiba UK today announces the launch of the Mini NB510, the latest model in the award winning Mini NB500 netbook range. Available in a choice of stylish colours, the Mini NB510 features an all-day battery, high definition connectivity and a compact design - matching convenience with portability.

The latest Intel Atom processor and 1 GB of DDR3 RAM ensure the Mini NB510 is capable of running multiple programs simultaneously. Powerful dual-core performance allows users to enjoy high definition movies, stream TV shows on-demand and use social networks on the move. Up to 10 hours of battery life makes the Mini NB510 an ideal companion for travellers on long-haul journeys, or using away from power sockets for extended periods of time.

GIGABYTE today introduced an extraordinary lineup of computers that are redefining mobility and powerful performance. The U2442V is a sleek and stunning 14" Ultrabook that provides fantastic performance with a 3rd generation Intel Core i5/i7 ULV processor, while the U2442N features the same incredible form factor, but has a powerful 3rd generation Intel Core i5/i7 standard voltage processor. Both models feature an excellent NVIDIA GeForce GPU, which provides remarkable graphics performance for multimedia and games.

Other models to be introduced include the P2542G, which is a 15.6" powerful gaming notebook with an exciting race car design; and the Q2542N, an excellent 15.6" mainstream notebook that delivers terrific versatility. Also to be showcased at CeBIT 2012 is the S1081, a 10.1" powerful business slate; the Booktop T1132N, an 11.6" revolutionary 3-in-1 notebook, tablet and desktop; the Booktop M2432, a sleek 14" notebook that provides desktop graphics performance through its unique docking station; and the AC21, an all-in-one PC that simplifies the desktop experience.

ASUS is readying five new Eee PC netbooks for launch at CeBIT, these include the Eee PC X101CH, Eee PC 1011CX, two variants of the Eee PC 1015BX, and the Eee PC 1025C. The X101CH and 1011CX are driven by Intel Atom N2600 processor, the 1025C by Atom N2800, while the 1015BX has two variants, driven by AMD Vision C50 or C60 APUs. All of these are 10.1-inchers. Also common between these models are 1 GB RAM, 320 GB storage, and Windows 7 Starter Edition operating system. The five Eee PCs also feature ASUS Express Gate, a lean web-oriented operating system. In related news, ASUS is also working on 11.6-inch Eee PC 1225B/C, which feature larger screens, with 1366x768 pixels resolution.

Today novero announced the introduction of Solana, a lightweight, 10-inch laptop/tablet hybrid with a flip-rotating design at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Designed to deliver the best combination of everyday business computing and mobile entertainment, Solana offers optimal flexibility and state-of-the-art features in one unique device.

Whether converting between laptop and tablet mode with just one flip of the screen, or switching between the two operating systems Genuine Windows 7 (Windows 8 ready) and Android within seconds, or staying seamlessly connected through high-speed 3.5G (HSPA+), WiFi or Bluetooth, Solana is the premium lifestyle mobile device built to work, watch, listen, play and connect in multiple ways. Its capacitive sensing multi-touch panel, built-in video camera, stereo loudspeakers and six row full QWERTY keyboard all support the requirements of today's mobile life.

One of the three Cedar Trail-based netbooks announced by ASUS in January, the 10.1-inch Eee PC 1025C, can now be found on Amazon on pre-order in two color versions, black and white. Priced at $299.99, the netbook measures 10.3 x 7.0 x 0.815 ~ 1.35 inches and features an LED-backlit (1024 x 600) display, a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive (backed by 3 GB worth of ASUS Web Storage), 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, an SD/MMC card reader, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, D-Sub and HDMI outputs, and a 6-cell battery.

Both the Eee PC 1025C-MU17-BK (black model) and 1025C-MU17-WT (white) run Windows 7 Starter (32-bit) and are expected to ship as of March 10th.

With legacy interfaces such as RS-232 serial obsolete and clearly phased out of PC motherboard standards, those still needing the interface, such as for connecting MODEMs, telecom equipment, robotics, etc., are finding themselves in need of devices such as the TRENDNet TU-S9. Simply put, this is an adapter cable with a USB connector on one side, and a RS-232 9-pin male connector on the other. The cable between the two is about 7 cm long. Operating systems such as Windows 7-thru-98; and Mac OS X 10.1-thru-10.6 are supported. The TU-S9 from TRENDNet is priced at US $12.99.

Japanese company Century Co., launched the CROS2EU3CP 2-bay SATA HDD/SSD dock. The dock is built in the typical toaster/cartridge form-factor, and holds two drive-bays, that support SATA devices in the 3.5", 2.5", and 1.8" form-factors, using standard SATA data+power interface. The dock connects to a host PC over USB 3.0 and eSATA. A unique feature here is the dock's ability to clone HDDs/SSDs without needing a host PC. Measuring 143 x 70 x 132 mm (WxDxH), the dock weighs 544 g. The dock is PnP compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP; and Mac OS X. Slated for market release on March 2, the Century CROS2EU3CP costs 7,980 JPY (US $100)

Redmond-based software giant Microsoft Corp. has recently updated its support policy for both Windows Vista and Windows 7 and will be offering extended support to the consumer versions of the two operating systems.

Previously, Microsoft provided 5 years worth of 'mainstream support' for consumers while only businesses got an extra 5 years of extended support. Now, all Windows users will be able to get security updates for 10 years after the operating system's release.

As a result of the policy change, Windows Vista's consumer support was extended to April 11th, 2017. Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020.

Japanese company Mouse Computer introduced the MDV Advance series desktop for graphics professionals. It is characterized by a large 27-inch IPS display with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution, originally made by Samsung, driven by NVIDIA Quadro graphics. Based on the Sandy Bridge and Sandy Bridge-E platforms, the MDV Advanced is available in two models. The MDV-ASQ8310B-WS-P27LP is driven by Intel Core i7-2700K processor, with 8 GB (2x 4 GB) memory, based on a Z68 chipset motherboard. Graphics is handled by Quadro 600 The storage subsystem consists of a 1 TB hard drive and DVD SuperMulti drive.

The MDV-ASG9300B-WS-P27LP is the more expensive model, driven by Intel Core i7-3930K six-core processor, X79 chipset motherboard, and 16 GB (4x 4 GB) memory. Graphics is driven by Quadro 2000D. The storage subsystem is carried on from the other model. Buyers can opt for better storage at a premium. Both models are driven by Windows 7 Home Premium x64 OS. The pricing of MDV-ASQ8310B-WS-P27LP starts at 169,890 JPY (US $2150), while the MDV-ASG9300B-WS-P27LP starts at 239,820 JPY (US $3032).

Radeon users who can't/won't wait for a WHQL certification process can now get their hands (not literally) on the Catalyst 12.2 driver featuring support for Radeon HD 2000, HD 3000, HD 4000, HD 5000, HD 6000, and HD 7000 Series cards. Available here for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, this release brings the following goodies:

Windows 7 and Windows Vista support for the AMD Radeon HD 7900 Series and AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series

- Enables support for Windows 7 64-bit/32-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit/32-bit
- Windows XP support will be made available in AMD Catalyst 12.4

Super Sampling Anti-Aliasing is now available for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications

- Supported on the AMD Radeon HD 7900 and 7700 Series
- Users can now enable Super Sample Anti-Aliasing and Adaptive Anti-Aliasing through the AMD Catalyst Control Center for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications
- Applications must support in game Anti-Aliasing for the feature to work (Forced on Anti-Aliasing through the Catalyst Control Center is not supported for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications)

CyberpowerPC Inc., a manufacturer of custom gaming machines, today announced its Zeus series -- a powerful new line of desktop computers that offer the power of thunder with Intel's new i7-3820 CPU; the speed of AMD's lightning fast FX CPUs; the refined design of NZXT's Switch 810 chassis, and legendary Advanced Hydro Liquid Cooling.

The initial Zeus rollout includes six models. The Zeus Thunder 1000, 2000, 300 and MAX will all feature Intel's latest CPUs, including the new 2nd Gen. Core i7-3820 Sandy Bridge-E quad-core CPU operating at 3.6GHz, a 10MB L3 cache and HyperThreading support. The Zeus Lightning series consists of the 1000 and 200 models with the AMD FX series native 8-core desktop processor, which allows you to immerse yourself in the most advanced 3D games and achieve extreme mega-tasking with ease.

Announced last month at CES, the IdeaPad U300e 13.3-inch ultrabook has now become available through Lenovo's online shop. The U300e is just 0.7" thin, it runs Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), and has a one-piece aluminum shell, a breathable keyboard (using Intel's Advanced Cooling Technology), an LED-backlit (1366 x 768) display, a glass touchpad, and BIOS-embedded anti-theft protection.

The model put up for order by Lenovo (269224U) packs a 1.6 GHz Core i5-2467M CPU, Intel HD 3000 graphics, 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB HDD and a 32 GB SSD, a 1.3 MP webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, WiDi support, one USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI output, and a 4-cell battery providing up to 7 hours of operation. This configuration costs $959.20 (thanks to a web promotion and an eCoupon) and is available here.

Acer subsidiary Gateway has also adopted Intel's Cedar Trail platform and released a netbook built around it, the LT4004U. This new netbook runs Windows 7 Starter and features a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) LED-backlit display, a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 dual-core processor, GMA 3600 integrated graphics, 1 GB of RAM, a 250 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive, a multi-in-1 card reader, 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a HDMI output, and a 6-cell battery providing 8 hours of operation.

The LT4004U costs $279.99 and can be found here.

Japanese PC maker FaithPC unveiled the GXT P170HBD-G580 TWIN-Drive SSR2, a 17.3-inch performance notebook that features three star attractions: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M 2 GB graphics, two Intel SSD 520 Series 180 GB SSDs in RAID 0, and an Intel Core i7-2960XM Extreme Edition quad-core processor. The notebook packs 16 GB (2x 8 GB) DDR3-1333 MHz memory. The 17.3-inch display sports 1920x1080 pixels resolution.

Apart from the lightning fast storage, the notebook packs a Blu-ray writer drive. Connectivity includes wireless b/g/n, gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth. The keyboard is specifically designed for gaming, with heightened W,A,S,D keys. Measuring 412 x 276 x 32 ~ 49 mm (WxDxH), it measures about 3.9 kg. Windows 7 Home Premium x64 is the OS of choice. The GXT P170HBD-G580 TWIN-Drive SSR2 from FaithPC is priced at 299,800 JPY (US $3,857).

Major Japanese OEM Mouse Computer announced a trio of high-end desktop PCs that are built specifically around Intel's SSD 520 solid-state drives, launched a little earlier this week. These include the MDV-ASG8310B-SSD, the MDV-ASG8250B, and the MDV-AGG9320S-SSD. The MDV-ASG8310B-SSD and MDV-ASG8250B are both driven by Intel Core i7-2700K processor, based on Intel Z68 motherboard, with 8 GB (2x 4 GB) memory; while the former features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics, the latter has GeForce GTX 560. The MDV-AGG9320S-SSD is driven by six-core Intel Core i7-3930K processor, with 16 GB (4x 4 GB) memory, and GeForce GTX 570 graphics.

All three are built into the same chassis, featuring the same 23-inch full-HD display and peripherals. All three feature Intel's newly-launched SSD 520 solid-state drive with 120 GB capacity, the SSD is configured to hold the OS and program files, while all three further feature a slower 1 TB hard drive that handles documents and storage. DVD-RW, gigabit Ethernet, and Windows 7 Home Premium x64 make for the rest of the commonalities. The MDV-ASG8310B-SSD is priced at 99,750 JPY (US $1,300); the MDV-ASG8250B at 109,830 JPY ($1,432); and the MDV-AGG9320S-SSD at 159,600 JPY ($2,081).

Acer has recently rolled out a new Revo series nettop/mini PC, a model called Revo RL70 which measures 209.89 (W) x 209.89 (D) x 35.35 (H) mm and makes use of AMD's E-450 APU boasting two Bobcat cores @ 1.65 GHz and Radeon HD 6320 graphics.

Acer's compact system also has 2 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a multi-in-one card reader, six USB 2.0 ports, plus D-Sub and HDMI outputs. The Revo RL70(-UR10P) runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and is selling for $329.99.

Last year, ARCTIC revealed the underlying potential of all-in-one home entertainment centers. Our first notable MC001 entertainment center was successfully launched and remarkably praised by numerous media in USA (CPU, TechPowerUp, TomsHardware, Europe (KitGuru, Madshrimps, ProHardver, PC Tuning, HW Legend, InformaticaEasy, 59 Hardware, Cowcotland) and Canada (Overclockers Online) etc.

This year, ARCTIC continues with its spirit of innovation by creating a new generation of powerful home entertainment centers - the MC101 Series which will keep you entertained - always. We design our innovative technologies around you so that you can enjoy more with less effort. In addition to its cost-effective, multi-functional, and high level of accessibility, our MC101 Series deliver fast, compact and feather-light home entertainment solutions that are humbly perfect.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the launch of its new next generation SSD720 SATA III 6Gb/s solid state drive (SSD) that delivers significantly improved computer performance over standard rotating hard drives. Designed with multitasking power users in mind, the productivity-enhancing SSD720 is the ideal solution for demanding system applications, such as specialized multimedia computing and advanced gaming.